Powder Coating

Mt. Baker Powder Coating, Inc.
2023 Grant Street
Bellingham, WA. 98225
Phone: (360) 366-3233
Fax: (888) 900-6703

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What Is Powder Coating?
Powder coating uses a mix of plastic resins usually made of epoxy, polyester, urethanes or a mix combined with pigments and fillers that melt and fuse together when heated. The solid particles of coating are electrostatically charged and sprayed using clean dry air to the piece to be coated. The powder coated parts are placed in an oven and cured, usually at 400-degrees. The heat of the oven causes the powder particles to melt, bond to the surface, and cure. Once the parts come out of the oven and cool they are ready for use with no waiting for it to “cure” or dry. Powder Coat creates a durable, attractive, corrosion resistant finish.

Is it Environmentally Friendly?
Powder coating is an environmentally friendly process unlike solvent-based wet paint systems which use solvents. Since the powder coating process does not use solvents there are no volatile organic compounds (VOC). Solvents and other compounds used in wet paint applications evaporate into the air and contribute to the formation of smog (ozone).

Is Powder Coating Durable?
When Powder Coating is applied properly, using the correct preparation of the substrate, it has properties that are flexible yet durable and resistant to chipping.

What Colors Do You Offer?
Powder Coatings are available in a large variety colors, metallic, textures, and special effects. With hundreds of colors in stock and thousands more to choose from that may be special ordered. Mt. Baker Powder Coating can help you in choose the correct coating and color for your project.

What Can Be Coated?
Any metal object that can withstand the heat of the curing process can be powder coated (400 degrees). Powder coating is ideal for items such as:

• • Industrial Fabrications
  • Metal Fencing and Railings
  • Fixtures
  • Patio Furniture
  • Motorcycle Frames & Parts
  • Wheels
  • Automotive Frames & Parts
  • Quad Frames & Parts
  • Snowmobile Parts
  • Bicycle Frames & Parts
  • Antique Tables & Chairs
  • Bird Cages
  • HVAC Registers and components
  • Metal Art

  What about Threads & Other Critical Areas that Need to Stay Free of Coating?
  High temperature masking can be applied to special surfaces such as threads or high tolerance areas to keep them from being coated. We also use special high temperature silicon plugs for threaded holes.

  Can I Use Fillers?
  Yes, but not traditional fillers. There are products available that will allow filling and resist the oven temperatures without creating imperfections in the surface. Consult with Mt. Baker Powder Coating for the advice on the right product for your application.

  Is there a Clear Powder Coating?
  Clear powder coating serves the same purpose as clear coat wet paint. It protects the color finish and adds depth and luster to the finish. Clear powder needs to be applied as a part of the original coating application and cannot be added later. Some finishes need a clear coat to add UV resistance.

  What should I do to prepare the parts for Powder Coating?
  Only make sure that the parts are disassembled and free of any components that cannot handle the oven temperature. (For assistance please consult with Mt. Baker Powder Coating). Let our expertise handle the rest. We have experience and equipment to prepare the part to ensure the finish comes out right.

  What is the prep procedure for Powder Coating?
  There are a couple of ways to prepare the surface for a quality powder coating job. Keep in mind that the proper evaluation of the part will help determine what your part needs.

  Sandblasting is a mechanical method which removes rust, mill scale and surface containments which putting a profile in the surface which helps provide an excellent mechanical bond for the powder coating.

  Phosphating or washing uses iron phosphate which is washed onto the surface. The iron phosphate reacts with the iron in the steel creating a conversion coating on the surface designed for the powder to bind to. Nonferrous metals do not react with the iron phosphate which means other etching is needed. During the washing process cleaners are used to strip the metal of all contaminants. At Mt. Baker Powder Coating we use alternate chemicals (hydrofluoric acid) when working with nonferrous metals that etch the surface while dissolving any “white rush” or oxidation that is on the surface.

  Most shops use only one or the other (mainly because they only have one) while at Mt. Baker Powder Coating we sandblast and Iron Phosphate wash the parts. This gives the part the mechanical cleaning and the conversion coating. It insures that any micro sized containment left behind in the sandblasting is also washed away.

  We’re your source for Bellingham Powder Coating!